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AHEC/MNRE/SHPStandards/GuidelinesforselectionofHydroGeneratorforSHPPage3
Altitude: Height above sea level not exceeding 1000 m. For machines intended for
operation on a site where the altitude is in excess of 1000 m. should be specifically
brought out.
Number of starts and application of load: The purchaser should specify the anticipated
no. of starts and maximum MVA, power, and reactive power loading rate of change
requirements for the manufacturer to take into account in the machine design. The
method of starting must be identified in the case of peaking stations.
Variation from rated voltage and frequency: Generators should be thermally capable
of continuous operation within the capability of their reactive capability curves over the
ranges of ± 5 % in voltage and ± 2 % in frequency, as defined by the shaded area of
figure 2.2.
a) As the operating point moves away from rated values of voltage and frequency, the
temperature rise of total temperatures of components may progressively increase.
Continuous operation near certain parts of the boundary of the shaded area in figure
2.2 (a) at outputs near the limits of the generator’s reactive capability curve may
(figure 2.2 b) cause insulation to age thermally at approximately two times to six
times its normal rate.
b) Generators will also be capable of operation within the confines of their reactive
capability curves within the ranges of ± 3 %/ -5 % in frequency as defined by the
outer boundary (zone B) in figure 2.2 (a) with further reduction of insulation life.
c) To minimize the reduction of the generator’s lifetime due to the effect of temperature
and temperature differentials, operation outside the shaded area should be limited in
extent, duration, and frequency of occurrence. The output should be reduced or other
corrective measures taken as soon as practicable.
d) The boundaries of figure 2.2 (a) result in the magnetic circuits of the generator to be
over fluxed under fluxed by no more than 5%. The sloped boundaries in figure (2.2
(a) correspond to constant voltz per hertz.
e) The machine may be unstable or margins of stability may be reduced under some of
the operating conditions shown in fig. 2.2 (a). Excitation margins may also be
reduced under some of the operating conditions shown in figure 2.2 (a).
f) As the operating frequency moves away from the rated frequency, effects outside the
generator may become important and need to be considered. For example, the turbine
manufacturer will specify ranges of frequency and corresponding periods during
which the turbine can operate, and the ability of the auxiliary equipment to operate
over a range of voltage and frequency should be considered.
g) Operation over a still wider range of voltage and frequency, if required, should be
subject to agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer and need to be
specifically brought out in tender specification.